Maria Martinez (ca. 1887–1980). Circular Shallow Bowl, ca. 1943. Clay, slip, height: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.198. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 43.201.198_overall01_PS22.jpg)
Maria Martinez (ca. 1887–1980). Circular Shallow Bowl, ca. 1943. Clay, slip, height: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.198. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 43.201.198_overall02_PS22.jpg)
Maria Martinez (ca. 1887–1980). Circular Shallow Bowl, ca. 1943. Clay, slip, height: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.198. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 43.201.198_back_PS22.jpg)
Circular Shallow Bowl
Arts of the Americas
On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts
Utilizing traditional hand-coiling techniques, vessel forms, and open-trench firing, Maria Martinez invented a unique style of pottery featuring black-on-black designs (as seen here), which had never been done before.
Martinez began potting to provide income for her family, collaborating with her husband, Julian, and later her son, Popovi Da, as painters. She eventually became world-famous, attracting visits from Japanese masters who wanted to learn her techniques. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., invited her to help with the dedication of New York’s Rockefeller Plaza in 1933.
Martinez began potting to provide income for her family, collaborating with her husband, Julian, and later her son, Popovi Da, as painters. She eventually became world-famous, attracting visits from Japanese masters who wanted to learn her techniques. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., invited her to help with the dedication of New York’s Rockefeller Plaza in 1933.
MEDIUM
Clay, slip
DATES
ca. 1943
DIMENSIONS
height: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
diameter: 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm)
mount: 13 1/2 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (34.3 × 34.3 × 14 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
"Marie and Julian"
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
43.201.198
CREDIT LINE
Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1936, provenance not yet documented; before 1936, acquired by Henry Harlow Brooks of New York, NY; by 1943, acquired from the estate of Henry Harlow Brooks by an anonymous donor; October 26,1943, gift of an anonymous donor to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Platter-shaped bowl with highly polished black on black circular feather design radiating from the center and framed with four black lines.
Condition: good.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts
CAPTION
Maria Martinez (ca. 1887–1980). Circular Shallow Bowl, ca. 1943. Clay, slip, height: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.198. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 43.201.198_overall01_PS22.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 43.201.198_overall01_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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